Closure Device

ABSTRACT

A continuous, progressive, flexible closure formed with rows of opposed keys whose engagement and disengagement is normal to the plane of closure. The closure may include a plurality of first keys, a plurality of second keys, and a slider configured to engage and disengage opposed keys, e.g., by joining and separating protrusions on one set of keys with openings on the second set of keys. Engagement of opposed pairs may be independent of engagement of neighboring pairs, which may increase useful life of the closure. Additionally, first and second keys may have variable relative geometries which, when considered with alignment of skirts in the plane of closure, may allow closure to follow a bend or curve without generally changing the peripheral distance of the opposed rows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a closure device

2. Description of the Related Art

Zipper closures are widespread, used to join edges of myriad objects,including luggage, clothing, pockets, pouches, etc. Zippers performinterdigitalization of teeth, hooks, or coils that are arranged inopposition and are engaged or disengaged by means of a slider that drawsthem into contact or forces them apart. One hallmark of zippers is thatthis engagement or disengagement occurs via lateral movement in theplane of closure. In other words, the engaged teeth, hooks, or coilsdepend one upon the other laterally, along the entire length of theclosure, from a fixed stop to the slider.

This lateral interdependence is a frequent cause of zipper failure.Specifically, in the event that one tooth, hook, or coil is damaged orkinked, the dependency to each of its neighbors is interrupted, causingthe closure to fail and allowing the opposing sides to be separatedeasily.

Engagement and disengagement of zipper elements requires that the meansof support be highly flexible. This often is achieved by using abias-woven textile strip (commonly called “zipper tape”) that is wornout easily by use and that often is permeable to moisture, dust, anddirt. To alleviate this, supplemental sealing elements may be employed,but these may restrict mobility of the zipper tape. As such, zipperswith these added elements are hard to open and close and may havelimited flexibility.

With the advent of technology for extruding polymers, alternatives tozippers have been proposed, such as closures with continuous outer andinner strips of material. However, due to the continuous nature of thesestrips, closures of this type cannot engage and disengage readily whenthe plane of closure follows a curve, such as at a corner of acontainer. Passage of the slider along the length of the closure createsradial differences between the paths of the strips. In turn, the radialdifferences create differences in the peripheral distance of the innerand outer strips. As a result, the strips may be compressed together,hindering passage of the slider.

What is needed is a closure device that provides a secure closure withreliability, durability, flexibility, and/or ease of manipulation. Forexample, the closure may retain its integrity in the event of localizeddamage and retain its flexibility and ease of use when modified toresist penetration by moisture, dust, and dirt. Additionally, theclosure may provide firm engagement and avoid binding at the point ofengagement when the plane of closure is curved, such as when the closureturns a corner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a closure system may comprise a plurality of first keyscoupled to a skirt and a plurality of second keys coupled to a secondskirt, each of the first and second keys comprising a base, a finger anda flange, a top and an underside; wherein, when coupled, the undersideof a first key is proximate the top of an opposing second key, which maybe generally in the plane of closure. The system further may include aslider having a first foot configured to translate proximate the top ofthe first keys, and a second foot configured to translate proximate theunderside of the second keys, said feet configured to press the firstand second keys together when the slider is moved in one direction andan interior portion configured to separate the first and second keyswhen the slider is moved in an opposite direction.

Each of the first keys further may comprise a protrusion extending awayfrom the underside, and each of the second keys further may comprise anopening extending inward from the top, preferably completely through thesecond key. In addition, the flanges of the first keys may comprise anarrow portion extending from a respective base and a wider portionextending from the narrow portion.

In another aspect, a closure system may comprise a plurality of firstkeys having a base, a finger with a protrusion extending from anunderside, and a flange, wherein the base has a thickness larger than athickness of the finger, and a plurality of second keys having a secondbase, a second finger with a top having an opening or slot, and a secondflange, wherein the second base has a thickness larger than a thicknessof the second finger; wherein, when coupled, the underside of a firstkey is proximate the top of an opposing second key, generally in theplane of closure and wherein, when coupled, the flange and the secondflange are generally in the plane of closure. The closure further mayinclude a slider configured to engage and disengage the pluralities offirst and second keys, the slider comprising an outer foot proximate thefirst keys and an inner foot proximate the second keys. The outer footmay include a compressor and a plurality of guides, wherein the guidesare configured to receive portions of the base and second base, and theinner foot may include a compressor and a plurality of second guides,wherein the second guides also may be configured to receive secondportions of the base and second base.

The slider may include a splitter between the outer and inner feet, thesplitter including a plurality of wedge segments separated by a channelextending at least partially through the splitter. The splitter also mayinclude an upper surface and a lower surface, the surfaces intersectingat both a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the splitter isconfigured to separate engaged first and second keys when moved in afirst direction, and the slider may include opposing feet to coupledisengaged first and second keys when moved in a second direction.

In still another aspect, a closure system may include a plurality offirst keys separately coupled to a skirt, a plurality of second keysseparately coupled to a second skirt, a slider having an outer foot, aninner foot, and a splitter therebetween, the slider configured totranslate along the pluralities of first and second keys, wherein, whencoupled, the underside of a first key is proximate the top of anopposing second key, generally in the plane of closure, and furtherwherein engagement of an opposed first key and second key is generallyindependent of engagement of a neighboring opposed first key and secondkey. Each of the first keys may comprise a protrusion extending awayfrom an underside, and each of the second keys may comprise an openingextending inward from a top. In addition, each of the first keys mayhave a height and may comprise a base and a flange extending rearwardfrom the base, wherein the flange is off-centered along the height.Moreover, each of the second keys may comprise a finger having a top, anunderside, a proximal end proximate a base, a distal end spaced from theproximal end, and a plurality of sides extending between the top and theunderside, from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein each of theplurality of sides tapers inwardly from the proximal end to the distalend. The closure system also may include a sealing strip configured tocontact and/or form a seal with first keys and to cover the first andsecond keys when the keys are engaged.

These and other features and advantages are evident from the followingdescription of the present invention, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a closure system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of opposed keys used with theclosure system of FIG. 1, one pair of opposed keys shown partiallyengaged and the second shown disengaged.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a bottom, or second, key used in a closuresystem.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a top, or first, key used in a closure system.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the key shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the underside of the key shown in FIGS.4A and 4B.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the key shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a closure system,which includes a sealing strip.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a slider that may be used with theclosure system of FIGS. 1 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of the outer and inner feet of theslider of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a splitter that may be used with theslider of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9B is a rear view of the outer and inner feet and the splitter ofthe slider of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a side, section view of a closure system, showing a sliderengaging an opposed pair of keys.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the closure system of FIG. 1 extendingalong a curve.

FIG. 12 are perspective bottom and top views of a second embodiment of atop, or first, key.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As seen in FIG. 1, a closure system may include opposing rows of keys20, 60, wherein each opposing pair of keys may be held together by aseparable pressure or interference-type fit. Each row of keys 20, 60 maybe embedded in, and supported by, a skirt 52, 92 of flexible material,which may be attached to opposed sides by any convenient meansincluding, e.g., gluing, sewing, bonding, etc.

Turning to FIG. 2, each opposing pair of keys 20, 60 may engage anddisengage in a plane generally normal to the plane of closure 2.Engagement and disengagement may be effectuated using a slider that mayhave a generally “Z”-shaped cross-section comprising a bar connectinginner and outer sides, where the inner surfaces are shaped to separateand deflect keys apart progressively when the slider is moved in anopening direction and to draw and press keys progressively intoengagement when the slider is moved in a closing direction.

Preferably, keys may be displaced by opposite rotation relative to theplane of closure 2, for example, about axes of rotation 4, 6 and/or byvertical movement generally perpendicular to plane of closure 2. Keysmay be constructed so that axes 4, 6 may be generally aligned with planeof closure 2, which may allow plane of closure 2 to be deflected freelywithout creating radial differences between the rows of outer and innerkeys.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4A, first keys 20 may include a base portion 22and a finger 24. Base 22 may have an enlarged height as compared tofinger 24. As such, base 22 may include rib 23 that allows height ofbase 22 to transition to height of finger 24. In addition, rib 23 maytransition toward finger 24 on top side 34, underside 36, or both sides.

Finger 24 may include a proximal end 26 proximate base 22 and a distalend 28 generally opposite base 22. First side 30 and second side 32 mayextend along a length of keys 20, e.g., between proximal end 26 anddistal end 28, or between base 22 and distal end 28. First and secondsides 30, 32 may be generally planar and, in one embodiment, may begenerally parallel to each other. Additionally, first keys 20 each mayhave a plane of symmetry extending generally perpendicular to plane ofclosure. First and second sides 30, 32 also may include tapered portions31, 33, respectively, proximate distal end 28. As discussed below,tapered portions 31, 33 may allow first keys 20 to flex and notinterfere with adjacent first keys 20, e.g., when compressing inward.

Top side 34 may be generally planar surface, although otherconfigurations are possible. For example, top side 34 of keys 20 mayinclude a slight radius of curvature to allow smooth passage under theupper foot of the slider 100 (described below), e.g., to avoid the outerkeys 20 trapping against the foot due to slight lifting when travelingon a bend. In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 12, top side 34 mayinclude one or more recessed portions 35, which may facilitate formationof protrusion 38 without undercuts.

Turning to FIGS. 4B and 5A, underside 36 also may be generally planar,however, first keys 20 may include a protrusion 38 extending outwardaway from underside 36. Protrusion 38 may be one or more male elementsthat allow for an engaging or interference fit within opening 78 ofsecond keys 60. In the embodiment shown here, protrusion 38 may includea plurality of tabs 39. Tabs 39 may include narrow portions 40 proximateand extending from underside 36. Wider portions 42 may extend fromnarrow portions 40 and may couple with, extend past, or otherwiseinterface with portions of second keys 60 so as to engage closure 10. Inaddition, protrusion 38 may include channel 44 between tabs 39, allowingfor compression or expansion of tabs 39 during the engaging anddisengaging processes.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, second keys 60 may include several featuressubstantially similar to first keys. For example, second keys 60 mayinclude base 62 with finger 64 extending away from base, with rib 63located therebetween and tapering height of base 62 toward height offinger 64. Finger 64 may have a proximal end 66 proximate base 62 and adistal end 68 generally opposite base 62. Similarly, keys 60 may includea generally planar top side 74 and a generally planar underside 76,although, as with first keys 20, variations to these sides are possible.

Second keys 60 may include first sides 70 and second sides 72. As withkeys 20, these sides may be generally symmetrical about a central planeof symmetry. Sides 70, 72 may be generally parallel. Preferably,however, sides 70, 72 may taper inward from proximal end 66 towarddistal end 68. Moreover, sides 70, 72 may include secondary taperedportions 71, 73 proximate distal end 68 that taper inward more steeplythan a remainder of sides 70, 72. Tapering of sides 70, 72 and/orsecondary tapered portions 71, 73 may allow second keys 60 to notinterfere with adjacent second keys 60, e.g., when disengaging keysaround a bend, or when closure 10 is flexed inward.

As opposed to first keys 20, second keys 60 may include one or moreopenings 78 or other female elements adapted to receive protrusion(s)38. Opening 78 extends inward from top 74 at least partially, andpreferably completely, through second key 60. Opening 78 may include afirst sidewall 80 and second sidewall 82 generally opposite opening 78from first sidewall 80, as seen in FIG. 5B. Sidewalls 80, 82 may betapered inward from top surface 74 toward underside 76, which mayprovide ramp surfaces along which wider portion 42 of protrusion 38 mayslide during engagement of keys 20, 60. As protrusion 38 extends furtherinto opening 78, protrusion 38 may be compressed until wider portion 42extends beyond sidewalls 80, 82. At this point, protrusion 38 may expandor at least partially undeform so that wider portion 42 is wider than adistance between sidewalls 80, 82, thereby engaging keys 20, 60 andpreventing accidental disengagement of keys 20, 60.

Although one form of engagement is described in greater detail herein,it will be appreciated that opposing keys 20, 60 may engage by any formof pressure-fitted or interference-type closure, such as tongue andgroove, ball and socket, or other male-female-type connections.

Returning to FIG. 2, bases 22, 62 of keys 20, 60 may include a flange46, 86 to connect keys to support skirts 52, 92. In one embodiment,flanges 46, 86 may be relieved to form a “T” shape, i.e., having narrowportions 48, 88 extending away from bases 22, 62 and wider portions 50,90 extending away from narrow portions 48, 58. Narrow portions 48, 88proximate bases 22, 62 may allow support skirts 52, 92 to deflect moreeasily in a plane outside plane of closure 2, specifically in a planegenerally normal to plane of closure 2. Wider portions 50, 90 allow forsufficient adhesion to support skirts 52, 92. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2, 3 and 4A, wider portions 50, 90 are generally rectangular.However, other configurations that allow for wider portions 50, 90 toextend beyond width of narrow portions 48, 58, including, e.g., oblong,are possible. Moreover, in another embodiment, instead of discretenarrow portions 28, 88 and wider portions 50, 90, flanges 46, 86 mayinclude a generally continuous taper outward from bases 22, 62.

In one embodiment, fingers 24, 64 may be substantially centered alongheight of keys 20, 60, such that about half of bases 22, 62 are abovefingers 24, 64, and about half of bases 22, 62 are below fingers.Flanges 46, 86 may be similarly centered. Preferably, however, flange 46may be offset closer to underside 36, and flange 86 may be offset closerto top side 74. For example, center of flange 46 may be offset fromcenter of key 20 by an offset distance OD, as seen in FIG. 4B. Amount ofoffset may be such that, when engaged, flange 46 and flange 86 aregenerally aligned and generally in the plane of closure 2.

Keys may include ribs 23, 63 for assisting in alignment and engagementof keys 20, 60. In one embodiment, first keys 20 and second keys 60 maybe substantially similarly sized and, when engaged, may be substantiallyaligned along a length of closure 10. In another embodiment, first andsecond keys may have edges that are offset when engaged so that keysoverlap, which may provide better sealing of closure, e.g., againstdirt, moisture, etc.

As described above, the geometry of the keys may differ depending onwhether they are designed to be inner keys 60 or outer keys 20. Keys 60located on the inner side of closure 10 may be tapered along their sides70, 72 and/or at their distal ends 68 to avoid interference with eachother when closure 10 is deflected, such as at a suitcase corner, orwhen the inner keys 60 are rotated inward for disengagement with outerkeys 20. Conversely, outer keys 20 may have sides configured so thatconsecutive keys 20 are generally aligned. Preferably, first side 30 ofone outer key may be generally parallel to second side 32 of an adjacentouter key, which may be the case when first side 30 and second side 32are generally normal to length of closure 10. Alignment of outer keys 20may allow outer keys 20 to cover gaps formed between tapered sides 70,72 of inner keys 60, which may aid sealing properties of closure 10.

An impermeable layer of elastic material 200 optionally may be attachedby any convenient means to cover the outer row of keys 20. As seen inFIG. 6, material 200 may be extended to cover closure 10 generally toresist penetration by moisture, dust, or dirt.

Turning now to FIG. 7, closure 10 may include a slider 100 to assist inengaging and disengaging opposed rows of keys 20, 60. Puller 102 may befixed or otherwise coupled to slider 100, e.g., by a cap 104 or anyother convenient means that allows for lateral movement of the puller102 along the length of the slider 100. In addition, puller 102 may becoupled as close to plane of closure 2 as possible in order to maximizethe linear component of force applied to engage or disengage keys 20, 60and, relatedly, to reduce bending moments applied to puller 102.

Slider 100 may include outer foot 106 and inner foot 122 that combine toguide and press opposed keys together, as seen in FIG. 8. Outer foot 106may include a first guide 108 and second guide 110 to allow for passageof second keys 60 and first keys 20, respectively. Similarly, inner foot122 may include its own first guide 124 and second guide 126, also toallow for passage of second keys 60 and first keys 20, respectively.Guides may function by engaging ribs 23, 63 on keys to draw them intoalignment with the feet 106, 122. In addition, feet 106, 122 may haveopposing first tapers 118, 136 proximate respective first sidewalls 114,132. Feet also may have opposing second tapers 120, 138 proximaterespective second sidewalls 116, 134. Tapers may soften edges of feet106, 122 and also may provide ramp surfaces for outer keys 20, innerkeys 60, and/or their respective support skirts 52, 92, which mayprovide more fluid movement of keys into slider 100 during closure.

Slider 100 also may include splitter bar 140 joining outer foot 106 andinner foot 122. Splitter bar 140 may join feet directly. Preferably,however, slider 100 may include posts 142, 144 to join splitter bar 140to inside surfaces of outer foot 106 and inner foot 122, respectively.As seen in FIG. 9B, combination of outer foot 106, post 142, splitterbar 140, post 144, and inner foot 122 may form a generally “Z”-shapedprofile when viewed in cross-section.

Turning to FIGS. 9A and 9B, splitter bar 140 may include a first wedgesegment 148 and second wedge segment 150, separated by a channel 146.Wedge segments 148, 150 may extend laterally from posts 142, 144 and maybe tapered at both ends, such that upper and lower surfaces mayintersect at common edges 152, 154, 156, 158. These common edges mayserve to split engaged keys 20, 60 apart when slider 100 passes alongthe length of closure 10 in an opening direction. In addition, thecommon edges may guide open rows of keys 20, 60 into slider 100 whenslider 100 passes along the length of closure 10 in an opposite, orclosing, direction. Channel 146 may extend downward from an outer sideof splitter bar 140, i.e., the side closer to outer foot 106. This mayallow passage of the protrusion 38 or other male engaging element offirst keys 20.

Surface planes 160, 162, 164, 166 of splitter bar 140 may twist or becurved from common edges 152, 154, 156, 158 towards the middle of thebar, which may guide rotational deflection of opposing keys 20, 60. Inaddition, when moving in an engaging direction, this curvature guideskeys from common edges 152, 154 toward middle of splitter bar 140,decreasing the clearance between keys 20, 60 and outer foot 106 or innerfoot 122 with splitter bar 140. At some point, e.g., when passing end ofchannel 146, clearance is sufficiently minimized, and keys 20, 60 arebrought close enough together by compressor 112 on outer foot 106 andfirst and second compressors 128, 130 on inner foot 122, such thatprotrusion 38 on first key 20 engages opening 78 on second key 60,thereby causing engagement of keys. Conversely, when moving in adisengaging direction, common edges 156, 158 may act as wedges betweenkeys 20, 60, opening a gap between them that expands until protrusion 38no longer engages opening 78, at which point keys 20, 60 are disengaged.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the interaction of slider 100 on first keys 20and second keys 60 is shown in cross-section. As can be seen, opposedouter foot 106 and inner foot 122 squeeze opposed keys together betweencompressors 112, 128, 130. Conversely, edges 152 and 154 (see FIG. 11)of splitter bar 140 combine to wedge opposed keys apart. Opposed rows ofkeys emerge engaged as the slider passes in the closed direction, here,from left to right, and emerge disengaged when the slider passes in theopening direction, here, from right to left.

In addition to generally linear arrangements, closure 10 also mayoperate around curves. FIG. 11 illustrates engagement and disengagementof opposed rows of keys when the plane of closure is curved, e.g., atthe corner of a suitcase. Due to the flexible support provided byattachment of first keys 20 via connection between flange 46 and supportskirt 52, keys 20 may be displaced outward and spread apartindependently of adjacent keys. Additionally, flexible support providedby attachment of second keys 60 via connection between flange 86 andsupport skirt 92, coupled with the tapered geometry of second keys 60 asdiscussed above, may allow second keys 60 to be displaced inwardlywithout mutual interference between adjacent keys 60. Centers or axes ofrotation of opposed keys may be in a substantially common plane, whichalso may be substantially the same plane of closure for each set ofopposed keys, which may ensure that peripheral lengths of opposed rows,from one end to the other of closure 10, are not changed by passage ofslider 100.

Closure generally, and keys specifically, may be made according tovarious methods. For example, one method may include molding, trimming,stacking, and feeding keys into a press, for fixing onto a flexibletape. The tape, with keys attached, then may be fed continuously into anextrusion die to be embedded continuously in an extruded flexible skirt.Alternatively, rows of keys may be injection molded, e.g., topredetermined lengths and with thin, frangible supports or films betweenkeys for stabilizing the relative position of keys each beside the next.These rows of keys, still attached to injection sprues, may betransferred to another mold for overmolding a flexible skirt, followedby trimming the completed rows of keys embedded in their skirts. Turningto FIG. 12, for injection molding, the outer surface of outer keys 20may be relieved. This relief may avoid an undercut and also may allowuse of a generally simple molding tool to form the protrusion or maleengaging member 38. Additionally, keys and/or puller may be coated witha material that reduces friction, e.g., a TEFLON-type coating. In oneembodiment, e.g., closure 10 may be manufactured to have a life span ofabout 50,000 life cycles, although other life spans are possible.

Sliders also may be produced according to any convenient methods,including, e.g., die casting or injection molding of parts, followed, tothe extent necessary, by assembly using common methods such as snap orpress fitting, screwing, riveting, and/or sonic welding.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe specific exemplary embodiments and method herein. The inventionshould therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments andmethod, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spiritof the invention as claimed.

1. A closure system, comprising: a plurality of first keys coupled to askirt, each of said first keys comprising a base, a finger and a flange,a top and an underside; and a plurality of second keys coupled to asecond skirt, each of said second keys comprising a base, a finger and aflange, a top and an underside; wherein, when coupled, said underside ofa first key is proximate said top of an opposing second key.
 2. Aclosure system according to claim 1, wherein, when coupled, saidunderside of a first key and said top of an opposing second key aregenerally in a plane of closure.
 3. A closure system according to claim1, further comprising: a slider having a first foot configured totranslate proximate said top of said first keys, a second footconfigured to translate proximate said underside of said second keys,and an interior portion configured to press said first keys and saidsecond keys together when said slider is moved in one direction and toseparate said first keys from said second keys when said slider is movedin an opposite direction.
 4. A closure system according to claim 1, eachof said first keys further comprising a protrusion extending away fromsaid underside and each of said second keys further comprising anopening extending inward from said top.
 5. A closure system according toclaim 4, wherein said opening extends completely through said secondkey.
 6. A closure system according to claim 1, wherein said flanges ofsaid first keys and said flanges of said second keys each comprise anarrow portion extending from a respective base and a wider portionextending from said narrow portion.
 7. A closure system according toclaim 1, wherein said fingers of second keys include a first sideextending away from said base, between said top and said underside, anda second side extending away from said base, between said top and saidunderside; wherein said first side and said second side taper inwardfrom a proximal end proximate said base to a distal end spaced from saidbase.
 8. A closure system according to claim 7, wherein portions of saidfirst side and said second side proximate said distal end taper at agreater angle than portions of said first side and said second sideproximate said proximal end.
 9. A closure system, comprising: aplurality of first keys having a base, a finger with an underside, and aflange, wherein said base has a thickness larger than a thickness ofsaid finger; a plurality of second keys having a second base, a secondfinger with a top, and a second flange, wherein said second base has athickness larger than a thickness of said second finger; wherein, whencoupled, said underside of a first key is proximate said top of anopposing second key, generally in a plane of closure; and wherein, whencoupled, said flange and said second flange are generally in said planeof closure.
 10. A closure system according to claim 9, furthercomprising: a slider configured to engage and disengage said pluralityof first keys and said plurality of second keys, said slider comprisingan outer foot proximate said first keys and an inner foot proximate saidsecond keys; said outer foot including a compressor and a plurality ofguides, wherein said guides are configured to receive portions of saidbase and said second base; said inner foot including a compressor and aplurality of second guides, wherein said second guides are configured toreceive second portions of said base and said second base.
 11. A closuresystem according to claim 10, said slider further comprising: a splitterbetween said outer foot and said inner foot, said splitter including aplurality of wedge segments separated by a channel extending at leastpartially through said splitter.
 12. A closure system according to claim10, said slider further comprising: a splitter between said outer footand said inner foot, said splitter including an upper surface and alower surface, said surfaces intersecting at both a leading edge and atrailing edge, wherein said splitter is configured to separate engagedfirst keys and second keys.
 13. A closure system according to claim 9,each of said plurality of first keys comprising a protrusion extendingoutward from said underside and each of said plurality of second keyscomprising an opening extending inward from said top.
 14. A closuresystem according to claim 13, wherein said protrusion comprises at leastone narrow portion extending from said underside and at least onethicker portion extending from said at least one narrow portion.
 15. Aclosure system according to claim 13, wherein said opening comprises atleast one sidewall tapered inwardly from said top.
 16. A closure system,comprising: a plurality of first keys separately coupled to a skirt; aplurality of second keys separately coupled to a second skirt; a sliderhaving an outer foot, an inner foot, and a splitter therebetween, saidslider configured to translate along said plurality of first keys andsaid plurality of second keys; wherein, when coupled, said underside ofa first key is proximate said top of an opposing second key, generallyin a plane of closure; and further wherein engagement of an opposedfirst key and second key is generally independent of engagement of aneighboring opposed first key and second key.
 17. A closure according toclaim 16, said first keys comprising a protrusion extending away from anunderside; said second keys comprising an opening extending inward froma top.
 18. A closure according to claim 16, each of said first keyshaving a height and comprising a base and a flange extending rearwardfrom said base, wherein said flange is off-centered along said height.19. A closure according to claim 16, each of said second keys comprisinga finger having a top, an underside, a proximal end proximate a base, adistal end spaced from said proximal end, and a plurality of sidesextending between said top and said underside from said proximal end tosaid distal end; wherein each of said plurality of sides tapers inwardlyfrom said proximal end to said distal end.
 20. A closure according toclaim 16, further comprising a sealing strip configured to cover saidfirst keys.